The sudden and tragic turn an artiste's life took has left his family and friends in a state of shock who are now praying for his speedy recovery. The artiste, Rajkumar K (30), an employee of a graphic designing company is also an accomplished dancer. All was well until the unfortunate day January 27, 2018, when he suddenly collapsed at his residence and was rushed to MIOT International Hospital, Chennai.

Although he came back to consciousness after 30 minutes of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Raj (as he’s fondly referred to among friends), continues to remain in ICU. According to doctors treating him, his condition has not shown any significant neurological recovery yet and has features suggestive of hypoxic ischaemic injury. In simple terms, that means he has shown very little response to touch. As on February 9, 2018, the medical bulletin read, "He is able to breathe on his own for short spells and reacts to pain. He is now being fed liquid food through a tube."

His family and friends feel these are definite improvements and hoping for him to get better. He is expected to have an extended stay in the ICU. Rajkumar's family includes his young wife, parents and a sister. The mounting hospital expenses that comes up to about Rs 1 lakh per day has become a deep cause for worry for his family and friends as they are trying every means to mobilize funds to ensure he gets back on his feet quickly. Relatives and friends of Raj have managed to raise Rs 1,139,660 so far through online campaign that has helped them a great deal as these expenses are not covered by the insurance. As far as the patient’s state is concerned, Raj responds by opening and closing his eyes when a person speaks to him.

Raj's friends have began an online funding campaign on www.helpraj.com. Those willing to help can also send in their generate contributions to his account:

Here are Raj’s bank details: